Coaches Gain New Skills

The U's FITC programme is currently in 65 schools a week, delivering top class coaching and spreading the word on Colchester United.

"The group will be putting into practice what they covered on the course over the coming weeks before they get back together again in August."

Creag Lawrence, FA Regional PE & Coaching in Education coordinator who tutored the group, said: "I was extremely impressed with the mature approach of the group and the knowledge demonstrated within it.

The first three days of the course saw the candidates look at Assessment for Learning through effective question and feedback, communication and influencing skills and strategies for behaviour management in schools.

The AfPE Level 3 in Supporting the Delivery of PE and School Sport award should be the minimum appropriate qualification held by coaches when delivering in schools in order to comply with AfPE Safe practice guidance in schools.

A second cohort of Colchester United Community coaches recently started a course delivered by the Football Association, aimed at developing the coaches' delivery in Primary Schools.